Tri-City Sun

State Representative Mike Hoadley has introduced a bill aimed at reducing foreign influence in Michigan. House Bill 4241 seeks to prevent hostile foreign entities from receiving public economic incentives within the state. The bill targets nations on the federal watchlist, including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela under Nicolas Maduro's regime, and Syria.

"Our national security is at stake when hostile powers operate within our state borders," said Hoadley. "These threats are exponentially greater when they receive financial support and public funding. There is no scenario where our enemies should ever receive taxpayer funding and I will always fight to keep our communities and residents safe."

The proposed legislation is part of a broader initiative by Michigan House Republicans. This package includes measures to block prohibited apps on government devices to prevent sensitive information collection by foreign entities of concern. It also aims to prohibit public bodies from entering agreements with these countries and ensures that health care record technology remains physically in the U.S. or Canada.

Additionally, the package intends to safeguard Michiganders by preventing concerning entities from purchasing land or surveilling military bases and critical infrastructure.

The introduction of this legislative package follows several reported national security threats in Michigan over recent years. Incidents include Chinese nationals allegedly spying on American troops at Camp Grayling and financial incentives directed toward Gotion. As an Army veteran, Hoadley emphasized the importance of these bills for protecting both Michigan residents and U.S. servicemembers.

"We must ensure our adversaries can never get anywhere near our military bases or our troops," Hoadley stated. "We have a duty to keep those brave men and women who wear the uniform safe. I sincerely hope all my colleagues and the governor feel the same way."